Kartik Month 2024 is one of the most auspicious periods in the Hindu calendar, observed with deep devotion and spiritual practices. Also known as the Kartik mass, it is a time for fasting, prayers, and rituals that bring people closer to their faith.
In today’s blog, we will discuss more about the significance, festivals, and rituals associated with this Kartik mass.
Kartik Month 2024 : Start & End Date
The Kartik Month 2024 will begin on 18th October 2024 (the pratipada tithi of Krishna Paksha) and end on 15th November 2024. This lunar month is marked by various religious events and fasts, especially dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. During this time, Hindus observe fasts, perform rituals, and celebrate festivals like Kartik Purnima, Karwa Chauth, Diwali, Chhath Puja, and more.
Kartik Maas: Important Dates and Events
|
DATE |
DAY |
EVENT |
|
20th October 2024 |
Sunday |
Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi, Karwa Chauth |
|
24th October 2024 |
Thursday |
Radha Kunda Snaan, Ahoi Ashtami |
|
28th October 2024 |
Monday |
Rama Ekadashi, Govatsa Dwadashi |
|
29th October 2024 |
Tuesday |
Dhanteras, Pradosh Vrat |
|
30th October 2024 |
Wednesday |
Kal Chaudas |
|
31st October 2024 |
Thursday |
Naraka Chaudas |
|
1st November 2024 |
Friday |
Anvadhan, Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, Darsh Amavasya |
|
2nd November 2024 |
Saturday |
Govardhan Puja |
|
3rd November 2024 |
Sunday |
Bhai Dooj |
|
6th November 2024 |
Wednesday |
Labh Panchami |
|
7th November 2024 |
Thursday |
Chhath Puja |
|
9th November 2024 |
Saturday |
Gopashtami |
|
10th November 2024 |
Sunday |
Akshaya Navami |
|
11th November 2024 |
Monday |
Kamsa Vadh, Bhishma Panchak begins |
|
12th November 2024 |
Tuesday |
Dev Uthani Ekadashi |
|
13th November 2024 |
Wednesday |
Tulsi Vivah, Pradosh Vrat |
|
14th November 2024 |
Thursday |
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, Vishveshwar vrat |
|
15th November 2024 |
Friday |
Manikarnika Snaan, Dev Deepavali, Kartik Purnima, Anvadhan |
Importance of Kartik Maas – Why is Kartik Month Celebrated?
Kartik Month holds great significance in Hinduism. It is believed that this period is blessed by both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, which altogether makes it a spiritually powerful month.
More so, it also celebrates various legends from the epics, such as Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect his, (Govardhan Puja), the end of demon King Ravana (Dussehra), and the return of Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 years of exile (Diwali).
According to the Puranas, the Kartik mass is one of the most sacred months for practicing Sadhana (devotion) to purify oneself and seek the blessings of the divine. Hence, you’d often find devotees spending time reciting religious scriptures, including the Srimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana, and chanting mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” to honor Lord Vishnu.
Rituals and Practices Performed During Kartik Month
1. Lighting Lamps (Deep Daan)
Deep Daan or the lighting of lamps is an important ritual of Kartik month. Devotees light oil lamps, especially in the evenings, to honor Lord Krishna and other deities. Herein, the lamps represent the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
It is believed that offering lamps to Lord Vishnu during Kartik month protects one from all the sufferings in this world or the next.
2. Ekadashi Fasting
Fasting on Dev Uthani Ekadashi, which marks the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from his sleep, is considered really auspicious. The practice is believed to cleanse both the body and the soul, leading to spiritual growth and the purification of the mind.
The Padma Purana emphasizes the importance of observing Ekadashi fasts during Kartik, explaining that doing so with devotion helps destroy past sins and leads to the path of liberation.
3. Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah, the symbolic marriage of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi Devi (the holy basil plant) is one of the main highlights of the Kartik mass. Herein, the Tulsi plant is adorned with beautiful ornaments for her marriage with Shaligram, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The Padma Purana explains that celebrating Tulsi Vivah brings peace and prosperity into one’s family life.
Also Read : Traditional Diwali Sweets You Can Make at Home
4. Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartik maas, is celebrated with great devotion and joy. On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshiped in his Matsya avatar, symbolizing his role as the protector of creation.
The celebration of Kartik Purnima also marks the end of the month-long rituals and observances, wherein devotees engage in charitable activities and thank the divine for all his blessings.
Do’s in Kartik Month
Here are some must-do practices for Kartik month 2024:
- Wake Up Early: Start your day with a holy bath (Kartik Snan), especially in sacred rivers, as it is considered highly auspicious.
- Offer Lamp (Deep Daan): Lighting an oil lamp in front of deities or near rivers is a must-do during Kartik. It signifies dispelling ignorance with enlightenment.
- Fasting: You can observe fasts on Mondays for Lord Shiva and Ekadashi for Lord Vishnu to seek their blessings.
-
Chant Mantras: Recite mantras and sing hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu, such as the Vishnu Sahasranama, to connect more deeply with the divine.
-
Read Scriptures: Devote some time daily to reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, or Puranas, focusing on spiritual growth.
- Donate: Engage in charitable activities like distributing food, clothes, and essentials to the needy to seek the blessings of the divine.
Don'ts in Kartik Month
Here’s a list of things you should refrain from especially during Kartik month:
- Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol: Kartik Mass is known for promoting simplicity and purity. Hence, it is advised to refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol during this time.
- Don’t Engage in Negative Acts: Hindus believe that committing sins during this sacred month leads to multiplied negative karmic effects. Therefore, avoid getting involved in any immoral activities.
- Avoid Wasting Food and Resources: Use food, water, and resources mindfully and avoid wastage. Generosity and gratitude are key practices in Kartik month.
Conclusion
The Kartik Purnima 2024 is a period filled with divine grace, offering an opportunity for spiritual cleansing, reflection, and growth. Whether through fasting, reading holy scriptures, or participating in rituals like Tulsi Vivah and Kartik Purnima, this sacred month helps devotees connect with their inner self and the divine. Hence, take this month as a chance to reset your spiritual journey, and you may find it bringing joy and positivity into your life.
Also Read : Eco-Friendly Diwali : How to Celebrate a Green and Sustainable Diwali in 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What is the date of Kartik Puja 2024?
- Kartik Puja will be celebrated beginning on October 18, 2024.
- What time is Kartik Purnima in 2024?
- Kartik Purnima falls on November 15, 2024, with the full moon beginning at 6:19 AM and ending at 2:58 AM.
- Which month is known as Kartik month?
- Kartik month falls generally during the period of October-November.
- Is Kartik month good or bad?
- Kartik month is considered really auspicious. It is a time for purification, devotion, and spiritual progress, bringing peace and prosperity to those who observe its rituals and fasts religiously.
